USC Trojans safety Josh Shaw (6) tries to get the crowd going during the third quarter of the Trojans 19-3 win over the Utah Utes at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. / Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY Sports

by Tess Quinlan, USA TODAY Sports

by Tess Quinlan, USA TODAY Sports

Josh Shaw, the USC senior cornerback who claimed he sprained both of his ankles while rescuing his 7-year-old nephew from a pool Saturday, admitted to making up the entire story Wednesday afternoon.

"We are extremely disappointed in Josh," said USC head football coach Steve Sarkisian. "He let us all down. As I have said, nothing in his background led us to doubt him when he told us of his injuries, nor did anything after our initial vetting of his story."

"I appreciate that Josh has now admitted that he lied and has apologized," Sarkisian said. "Although this type of behavior is out of character for Josh, it is unacceptable.

"Honesty and integrity must be at the center of our program. I believe Josh will learn from this. I hope that he will not be defined by this incident, and that the Trojan Family will accept his apology and support him."

Sarkisian also said Shaw, elected a team captain Saturday, has been suspended indefinitely from all team activities.

Shaw has retained Donald Etra as outside counsel. Etra previously has represented celebrities such as Snoop Dogg and Rihanna. Etra released the following statement on Shaw's behalf:

"On Saturday August 23, I injured myself in a fall. I made up a story about this fall that was untrue. I was wrong to not tell the truth. I apologize to USC for this action on my part. My USC coaches, the USC Athletic Department, and especially coach Sarkisian have all been supportive of me during my college career and for that, I am very grateful."

When reached for comment, Etra said that Shaw fell from a balcony on Saturday night Aug. 23 in Los Angeles and injured both of his ankles.

He emphasized that there was no need for them to be in contact with police. "There is no criminal aspect to this whatsoever."

When asked if alcohol was a factor, Etra said that there was none involved and that his client does not drink.

Etra does not know who was with Shaw at the time of the fall at this time. The only sanction that Shaw is facing is suspension from team activities.